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Hi all. I wanted to know if there is any way that HIV can "hide" from a western blot? I tested positive with an antibody test, but they followed it with 2 western blots, one for HIV 1 and another for HIV 2. Both were negative. I'm not pregnant. The reason I say this is because i read that pregnancy can cause false positives.

Lastly, the tests were performed outside the window period of 6 months. In fact, they were done WAYY outside the window period, if that makes any difference.

I'm really looking for guidance. My doctor advised me that I don't need to test again, unless I have had a recent exposure, which I haven't.

I'm a pretty low key kind of gal. No needles, no drugs. My exposure was unprotected sex (multiple time) with a guy of unknown status.I don't remember ever getting "really sick" with ARS, although I have been experiencing some of the symptoms after finding out these results. Maybe it's just my mind. Doctor said its sort of "too late in the game" to feel symptoms, even if i were infected. Is that true?

Also, I worry that the analyzer may have read the WB incorrectly. Can that be possible?

Lastly, I should also mention, I had other tests for this exposure. Three, in fact. Those were negative and also outside the window period. Those three were 3rd gen rapid ones.

Whenever anyone tests positive the result is always checked by having a western blot done. Because the western blot is more specific and sensitive, a positive result on an HIV test is always trumped by a negative on a western blot.

You have reliably tested negative. You ARE HIV negative. Stop worrying and get on with your life.

And remember that anytime you have either vaginal or anal intercourse the insertive partner always has to wear a condom. Those activities unprotected are the only confirmed risks for the sexual transmission of HIV.

I know it's easy for you all to say, but it's hard for me to accept and understand. I can't stop thinking about the what ifs. Specially in regards to the WB. I was hoping to get some guidance from you all in regards to it. I know it's a visible reading, meaning someone reads the results. How can I know that they read them right? Should I take comfort in my other neg antibody tests?

You should take comfort in the fact that the confirmation test, the western blot, was negative. False positive results, though relatively rare, do happen. This is why we confirm with the western blot.

You are assuredly HIV negative.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

I have not been completely diagnosed with HIV but I had a positive Elisa about a month ago. My western blot was negative though. For some reason, I still have lots of doubts about my status. Mainly because of the reliability of the WB.

I had unprotected vaginal sex with my ex numerous times. Last time was 1.5 yrs ago.I had 3 rapid tests in the timeframe of 6-12 months post exposure. My positive result was with a lab Elisa. I have been doing research online and read into how the WB works. I asked this question of the prevention forum but no one helped me. I am going to go test again tomorrow. I am expecting a the worst.

My question::I read in the forums that the p24 antibody/antigen is present in the body early in the widow period, even before anybodies are present.So my question is, how can a western blot that LOOKS for the p24 antibody be accurate way outside the window period (1.5 yrs after exposure) if the p24 protein is present only early on? Are the other proteins like that as well? I wonder, if taken earlier, the p24 band would have been present? And my WB would have been positiveIs it EVER too late for such a test?

I have what seems to be a swollen lymph node behind my ear but on my neck portion. It is big and hard, like a bone hard. It is not visible though. You can only feel it. This has really got me worried.

Anyone, please help me. When i test again tomorrow, should i do a rapid or lab?

Daisy, I've merged your threads here. And moved your newest thread out of the section in which you had mistakenly posted it. As it says in the opening thread of this section this is the only forum in which you should be writing. And your entries should all be in this same thread. Don't start anymore new threads.

You may have your doubts but they have no basis in HIV science. The western blot always trumps any other HIV test when the test was positive and the wester is negative.

So you are reliably HIV negative. End of question. Period.

Get on with your life and stop creating drama about a non-issue for you. You also need to know that if you continue to come back about this same non-issue you are very quickly going to find yourself getting a Time Out from the site.

If you can't let go of your unfounded fears then see a counselor or other professional.

■Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result, or no-risk situation will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

I wasn't asking you or want your advice or input. You're very grumpy and unhelpful. I was asking Andy who is more willing to help. I already said I was going to go get some help if you would have READ before posting you're go to response.

Swollen lymph nodes happen for all sorts of non-HIV-related reasons. Keep your hands off of them and discuss your concern with your doctor. They are very sensitive to touch and handling them can create bigger problems.

HIV is not your problem. Get on with your life. If you come back here with more whats ifs and such you are going to find yourself getting a Time Out from the site.

My lymph node is still there and I am still unable to move past this..it creeps up on me out of no where.

When an Hiv infected person has swollen lymph nodes, do they usually have them everywhere or can they just have ONE swollen node?

Also, if the Western Blot is considered the gold standard, why do some experts on the forum say NOT to use it first and if they have used it as a first test, that it is not conclusive/accurate even after 3 months? Can a WB test FULLY be trusted?

You're the one who always says that WB shouldn't be taken first and if people have, that it is not accurate or conclusive. Why? Why CANT a neg WB after 3 months be conlusive, but in someone with my situation, who had a positive ELISA, it IS conlusive?

■Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result, or no-risk situation will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

It's sad how you cant back up your OWN words. You always bust out with your guidlines when someone questions what you always say. Have you ever though that if you actually answer the question, then people would just stop posting?

I did.But the fact of the matter is, some dr DO give WB as the first test. WHY is that so wrong, esp if the person tested neg with it.The reason I am asking is if it is not conclusive for them after 3 months, how can it be conclusive for me after a positive elisa?

If he did, he doesn't know a damn thing about HIV testing. You're not paying one bit of attention. Now read this. A WESTERN BLOT IS USED TO CONFIRM A POSITIVE ANTIBODY TEST. Now what is so hard to understand about that?

You are making this situation way more complicated than it has to be. A western blot negative is very reliable. Go ahead an re-test if you insist. You are HIV negative. There is nothing more we can do for you here.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts